Pseudo-accommodative IOL having multiple diffractive patterns

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, a trifocal ophthalmic lens is disclosed that includes an optic having a surface that comprises at least one trifocal diffractive pattern and at least one bifocal diffractive pattern such that the bifocal pattern provides near and far vision and the trifocal pattern generates near, far, and intermediate vision. For example, the trifocal pattern can provide near, far, and intermediate foci such that the near and far foci are substantially coincident, respectively, with a near and a far focus of the bifocal pattern. In this manner, the trifocal and bifocal patterns collectively provide near, intermediate, and far foci (or focal regions) corresponding, respectively, to the near, intermediate and far vision.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to multifocal ophthalmic lenses, and more particularly, to trifocal ophthalmic lenses, such as trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

A plurality of ophthalmic lenses are available for correcting visual disorders, such as cataract, myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. For example, an intraocular lens (IOL) can be implanted in a patient's eye during cataract surgery to compensate for the lost optical power of the removed natural lens. Though providing the requisite optical power, IOLs do not provide the accommodation (i.e., the ability to focus on objects at varying distances) that can be attained by a natural lens. However, multi-focal IOLs are known that can provide a certain degree of accommodation (also known as pseudo-accommodation). For example, bifocal diffractive IOLs are available that are capable of providing a near and a far focus.

Trifocal ophthalmic lenses are also known for providing a near and a far focus, as well as an intermediate focus. Such conventional trifocal lenses, however, suffer from a number of shortcomings. For example, they provide intermediate vision at the expense of degradation of the far and/or near vision.

Accordingly, there is a need for enhanced multifocal ophthalmic lenses, and particularly, trifocal ophthalmic lenses. There is also a need for such multifocal lenses in the form of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can be implanted in patients' eyes, e.g., to replace the natural lens.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to multifocal ophthalmic lenses, such as trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), that provide near and far vision, as well as intermediate vision. The ophthalmic lenses of the invention utilize diffractive structures to direct incident light to three focal regions corresponding to near, intermediate and far vision. In some cases, the ophthalmic lenses include at least two different diffractive patterns, one exhibiting primarily two foci and the other primarily three foci such that they collectively accommodate near, intermediate and far vision. In other cases, the ophthalmic lenses include two different diffractive patterns, both of which provide primarily two foci, albeit at different add powers selected such that the patterns collectively provide near, intermediate and far vision.

In one aspect, a trifocal ophthalmic lens is disclosed that includes an optic having a surface that comprises at least one trifocal diffractive pattern and at least one bifocal diffractive pattern such that the bifocal pattern provides near and far vision and the trifocal pattern generates near, far, and intermediate vision. For example, the trifocal pattern can provide near, far, and intermediate foci such that the near and far foci are substantially coincident, respectively, with a near and a far focus of the bifocal pattern. In this manner, the trifocal and bifocal patterns collectively provide near, intermediate, and far foci (or focal regions) corresponding, respectively, to the near, intermediate and far vision. The terms “foci” and “focal regions” are used interchangeably herein in their general sense to identify spatial regions where visual acuity (e.g., image resolution) is enhanced. The term “bifocal diffractive pattern,” as used herein, refers to diffractive structures that diffract incident light primarily into two diffraction orders (e.g., 60% or more of the light energy is directed into those two diffraction orders). Further, the term “trifocal diffractive pattern,” as used herein, refers to diffractive structures that diffract incident light primarily into three diffraction orders (e.g., 60% or more of the light energy is directed into those three diffraction orders).

In a related aspect, the optic's surface comprising the diffractive patterns can be characterized by a base reference curve adapted to provide a refractive power corresponding to the far focus. In many embodiments of the invention, the far focus provides an optical power in a range of about 6 to about 34 Diopters with the intermediate focus providing an add power in a range of about 1.5 to about 4.5 Diopters, and the near focus providing an add power in a range of about 3 to about 9 Diopters.

In another aspect, the diffractive patterns are disposed within a portion of the surface surrounded by a peripheral portion of that surface that is substantially devoid of diffractive structures. In other words, the diffractive structures are truncated such that a peripheral portion of the surface provides a purely refractive power.

In another aspect, the trifocal diffractive pattern can be disposed closer to an optical axis of the optic than the bifocal pattern. By way of example, the trifocal diffractive pattern can comprise a plurality of annular diffractive structures that extend from an optical axis of the optic to a radius corresponding to an aperture (pupil) radius in a range of about 1 to about 1.5 millimeters (i.e., an aperture diameter in a range of about 2 to about 3 mm). The bifocal pattern can be formed as a plurality of annular diffractive structures that surround the trifocal pattern. In this manner, the trifocal pattern is employed as the primary diffractive pattern for small apertures with diffractive contribution of the bifocal pattern increasing as the aperture size increases.

In a related aspect, the annular bifocal diffractive structures exhibit a decreasing step height at their boundaries as a function of increasing distance from the optical axis. The decrease in the step heights can be characterized by an apodization function. One example of such apodization function follows (those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other functions can also be utilized): ${f_{apodize} = {1 - \left( \frac{r_{i}}{r_{out}} \right)^{3}}},$ wherein

-   -   r_(i) denotes the radial distance of the i^(th) zone,     -   r_(out) denotes the outer radius of the last bifocal diffractive         zone.

In another aspect, the diffractive structures forming the trifocal pattern are shaped differently than those forming the bifocal pattern. By way of example, the trifocal diffractive pattern can comprise one or more substantially square-shaped steps while the bifocal diffractive pattern comprises one or more substantially sawtooth-shaped steps.

In other aspects, the invention provides a trifocal ophthalmic lens that comprises an optic having at least one surface with a reference profile characterized by a base curve, and at least two annular diffractive patterns superimposed on that base curve. One of the patterns primarily provides three foci while the other primarily provides two foci such that a combination of energy distribution associated with the foci of one pattern with that of the other pattern results in accommodating near, intermediate and far vision. Further, the base curve can be adapted to provide a refractive power corresponding to the far vision.

In a related aspect, a peripheral portion of the optic that is substantially devoid of diffractive structures surrounds the diffractive patterns. In some cases, the diffractive pattern providing three foci is disposed closer to an optical axis of the optic than the pattern providing two foci. By way of example, the diffractive pattern providing three foci can comprise a plurality of annular diffractive zones that extend from an optical axis of the optic to a first distance from that axis, and the diffractive pattern providing two foci can comprise a plurality of annular diffractive zones that extend from that first distance to a second distance from the optical axis, which is less than a radius of the optic.

In another aspect, the base curve characterizing the reference profile of the surface on which the diffractive patterns are disposed is aspherical so as to reduce spherical aberration, particularly at the far focus for large apertures.

In another aspect, a multifocal ophthalmic lens is disclosed that includes an optic having a surface comprising two separate bifocal patterns, where the patterns exhibit different add powers so as to cooperatively provide near, intermediate and far vision. For example, one of the patterns can provide an add power in a range of about 1.5 to about 4.5 Diopters while the other provides an add power in a range of about 3 to about 9 Diopters.

In a related aspect, one of the bifocal patterns can be disposed closer to an optical axis of the optic that the other. For example, the patterns can be in the form of concentric diffractive zones disposed about the optical axis, with the zones corresponding to one pattern extending from the optical axis a selected radial distance and the zones corresponding to the other pattern extending from that radial distance to a greater distance, which is selected in many embodiments to be less than a radius of the optic.

Further understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the associated figures, which are described briefly below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a trifocal ophthalmic lens according to one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an anterior surface of an optic of the lens of FIG. 1A comprising a plurality of diffractive structures superimposed on a base profile,

FIG. 2 is a front view of the diffractive lens of the previous figures depicting a plurality of annular zones formed by the diffractive structures,

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary distribution of optical power at the near, intermediate and far focal regions of a trifocal ophthalmic lens according to one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4A schematically depicts focusing of light emanating from a near, an intermediate and a far object onto the retina of an eye in which a trifocal IOL lens according to an embodiment of the invention is implanted,

FIG. 4B is a schematic front view of a trifocal ophthalmic lens according to another embodiment of the invention having inner and outer bifocal diffractive patterns with different add powers selected such that the patterns collectively provide near, intermediate and far vision,

FIG. 4C schematically depicts optical energy profiles at near and far foci of individual bifocal patterns of the lens shown in FIG. 4B, as well as the energy profiles at near, intermediate and far foci collectively provided by the combined patterns,

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a trifocal ophthalmic lens according to another embodiment of the invention having diffractive zones with unequal areas,

FIG. 5B is a front view of the ophthalmic lens of FIG. 5A,

FIG. 6 presents two schematic graphs contrasting relationships between the square radii of the diffractive zones of two diffractive lenses, in one of which the diffractive zones exhibit uniform areas and in the other they exhibit non-uniform areas,

FIG. 7 presents two schematic graphs illustrating the enhancement of visual acuity for intermediate vision provided by a trifocal ophthalmic lens according to one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 schematically depicts the optical phase delay (OPD) associated with three diffraction orders of a multifocal diffractive ophthalmic lens across two diffractive orders as a function of the square radial distance from the lens's optical axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is generally directed to trifocal ophthalmic lenses, such as intraocular lenses, that provide near, intermediate and far vision. The trifocal ophthalmic lenses of the invention advantageously provide enhanced visual performance for the intermediate vision relative to that typically obtained by conventional trifocal lenses while maintaining, and in many cases exceeding, the near and far visual performance of such conventional lenses. In embodiments discussed below, various aspects of trifocal lenses of the invention are described in connection with intraocular lenses. It should, however, be understood that the principles of the invention can be similarly applied to fabrication of other ophthalmic lenses, such as contact lenses.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a trifocal ophthalmic lens 10 according to one embodiment of the invention includes an optic 12 having an anterior optical surface 14 and a posterior optical surface 16. In this embodiment, the anterior and the posterior optical surfaces are symmetrically disposed about an optical axis 18 of the lens, although asymmetric surfaces can also be employed. The exemplary lens 10 also includes radially extending fixation members or haptics 20 for its placement in a patient's eye. The optic 12 can be formed of any suitable biocompatible material. Some examples of such materials include, without limitation, soft acrylic, silicone, hydrogel or other biocompatible polymeric materials having a requisite index of refraction for a particular application of the lens. The fixation members 20 can also be formed of suitable polymeric materials, such as polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene and the like. Although the surfaces 14 and 16 are depicted as being generally convex, either surface can have a generally concave shape. Alternatively, the surfaces 14 and 16 can be selected to provide a plano-convex or a plano-concave lens. The terms “intraocular lens” and its abbreviation “IOL” are used herein interchangeably to describe lenses that are implanted into the interior of an eye to either replace the eye's natural lens or to otherwise augment vision regardless of whether or not the natural lens is removed.

The anterior surface 14 is characterized by a base curve 22 (depicted by dashed lines) that provides a selected refractive power and on which a plurality of diffractive structures 24 are superimposed. As shown schematically in FIG. 2, the diffractive structures 24 can be characterized as forming a plurality of concentric annular diffractive zones 26 that diffract incident light into a plurality of diffractive orders, in a manner discussed in more detail below. The diffractive zones 26 are confined within a portion of the surface that is surrounded by a peripheral portion 28 that is devoid of diffractive structures. In other words, the diffractive zones are truncated such that the peripheral portion of the anterior surface provides a purely refractive power dictated by the base curve. In this embodiment, the diffractive zones are characterized by two diffractive patterns, one of which is herein referred to as a trifocal pattern and the other as a bifocal pattern. More specifically, annular zones 26 a, 26 b, and 26 c, which form the trifocal diffractive pattern, cooperatively direct incident light primarily into three diffraction orders (herein referred to as diffraction orders “+1”, “0” and “−1”). The light directed into the diffraction order +1 converges to form a near focus while the light beams directed to diffraction orders 0 and −1 converge to form, respectively, an intermediate and a far (distance) focus. It should be appreciated that the diffractive zones forming the trifocal pattern diffract light into higher orders, as well. However, the trifocal pattern diffracts a large percentage of the incident light, e.g., about 60% or more, into the above three orders.

In this exemplary embodiment, annular diffractive zones 26 d, 26 e, 26 f, 26 g, 26 h and 26 i form the bifocal diffractive pattern, which diffracts the incident light primarily into two diffraction orders (e.g., “0” and “+1” orders). The light diffracted into the 0 ^(th) order of the bifocal pattern converges to a focus that is substantially coincident with the above distance focus generated by convergence of the light diffracted into the −1 order of the trifocal pattern. And the light diffracted into the +1 diffraction order of bifocal pattern converges to a focus that is substantially coincident with the above near focus generated by convergence of the light diffracted into the +1 diffraction order of the trifocal pattern. Similar to the trifocal pattern, the bifocal pattern diffracts light to higher orders, as well. However, it diffracts the bulk of the incident optical energy, e.g., about 60% or more, into the above 0 and −1 orders.

Further, the refractive focus provided by the base curve of the anterior surface substantially corresponds to the far focus generated by the diffractive patterns. That is, the refractive power of the lens contributes to the performance of the lens for far vision As shown schematically in FIG. 1B, in this exemplary embodiment, the trifocal diffractive zones are formed by substantially rectangular diffractive structures (steps), which are separated from one another at their zone boundaries by a substantially uniform step height. By way of example, the step height at a design wavelength can be defined in accordance with the following relation: $\begin{matrix} {{{Step}\quad{height}} = {\frac{\lambda}{a\left( {n_{2} - n_{1}} \right)}.}} & {{Equation}\quad(1)} \end{matrix}$ wherein

-   -   λ is the design wavelength (e.g., 550 nm),     -   a denotes a parameter that can be adjusted to control         diffraction efficiency associated with various orders. By way of         example, a can be selected to be 2.5,     -   n₂ is the refractive index of the optic, and

n₁ denotes the refractive index of the medium surrounding the lens. In embodiments in which the surrounding medium is the aqueous humor having an index of refraction of 1.336, the refractive index of the optic (n2) can be selected to be 1.55. The step height provided by the above equation is only one example, and other step heights can also be utilized.

In contrast, the bifocal diffractive zones in this exemplary embodiment are formed by a plurality of sawtooth-like diffractive structures, which are separated from one another at their respective zone boundaries by non-uniform step heights. More specifically, the step heights at zone boundaries of the bifocal pattern progressively decrease as their distances from the optical axis increase. In other words, the step heights at the boundaries of the bifocal diffractive structures are “apodized” so as to modify the fraction of optical energy diffracted into the near and far foci as a function of aperture size (e.g., as the aperture size increases, more of the light energy is diffracted to the far focus). By way of example, the step height at each zone boundary of the bifocal diffractive pattern can be defined in accordance with the following relation: $\begin{matrix} {{{Step}\quad{height}} = {\frac{\lambda}{a\left( {n_{2} - n_{1}} \right)}{f_{apodize}.}}} & {{Equation}\quad(2)} \end{matrix}$ wherein

-   -   λ denotes a design wavelength (e.g., 550 nm),     -   a denotes a parameter that can be adjusted to control         diffraction efficiency associated with various orders, e.g., a         can be selected to be 2.5,     -   n₂ denotes the index of refraction of the optic,

n₁ denotes the refractive index of a medium in which the lens is placed, and ƒ_(apodize) represents a scaling function whose value decreases as a function of increasing radial distance from the intersection of the optical axis with the anterior surface of the lens. By way of example, the scaling function ƒ_(apodize) can be defined by the following relation: $\begin{matrix} {f_{apodize} = {1 - {\left( \frac{r_{i}}{r_{out}} \right)^{3}.}}} & {{Equation}\quad(3)} \end{matrix}$ wherein

-   -   r_(i) denotes the radial distance of the i^(th) zone,     -   r_(out) denotes the outer radius of the last bifocal diffractive         zone.

Other apodization scaling functions can also be employed, such as those disclosed in a co-pending patent application entitled “Apodized Aspheric Diffractive Lenses,” filed Dec. 1, 2004 and having a Ser. No. 11/000770, which is herein incorporated by reference. Further, the diffractive structures can have geometrical shapes different that those described above.

Although the diffractive properties of the trifocal and bifocal patterns were discussed separately above, the two patterns cooperatively generate the near, intermediate and far foci for providing, respectively, near, intermediate and far vision. As shown schematically in FIG. 3, at each focus, the optical energy is distributed according to a profile that exhibits a maximum at the focal point and decreases at both sides of that point. A width of the diffractive energy profile (e.g., full-width at half maximum) associated with each focal point provides a measure of the associated depth of focus. In some embodiments, the fraction of incident optical energy (e.g., in the form of substantially parallel incident rays) directed to each of the near and far focal regions relative to that directed to the intermediate focal region can be in a range of about 1.4 to about 4. By way of example, the diffractive efficiency associated with each of the near and far foci can be in a range of about 28% to about 38%, while the diffractive efficiency associated with the intermediate focus lies in a range of about 10% to about 28%.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the trifocal diffractive pattern extends from the optical axis to a distance (radius) R from that axis, while the bifocal diffractive pattern extends from the distance R to a greater radial distance R′ (less than a radius R″ of the anterior surface). Hence, for small aperture (pupil) sizes, the near, intermediate and far vision properties of the lens are primarily determined by the trifocal diffractive pattern. As the aperture (pupil) size increases, the properties of the lens are primarily dictated by the bifocal diffractive pattern. In this embodiment, as the aperture size increases, the fraction of optical energy directed to the near and far foci relative to that directed to the intermediate focus increases. Moreover, as noted above, the apodization of the step heights of the bifocal diffractive zones results in an increase in the optical energy directed to the far focus relative to the near focus, as the aperture size increases. Generally, the radius of the optic (R″) is selected to be in a range of about 2.5 to about 3.5 millimeters, with the radius of the trifocal pattern (R) lying in a range of about 1 to about 1.5 millimeters and that of the bifocal pattern (R′) in a range of about 1.5 to about 2 millimeters—although other values can also be employed. Further, although only a few annular zones are depicted herein for clarity, the number of annular zones in each of the trifocal and the bifocal patterns can be generally in a range of about 3 to about 30, and can be more based on increase in the add power.

The optical power associated with the far focus can be, e.g., in a range of about 6 to about 34 Diopters. The intermediate focus can provide an add power in a range of about 1.5 to about 4.5 Diopters, and the near focus can provide an add power in a range of about 3 to about 9 Diopters.

Thus, the above trifocal IOL lens 10 provides far vision for viewing objects at distances ranging, e.g., from about infinity to about 4 meters (m), and near vision for viewing objects, at distances less than, e.g., about 0.4 m. In addition, the IOL 10 provides intermediate vision for viewing objects at distances in a range of, e.g., about 0.4 to about 4 m (and in some embodiments in a range of about 0.4 to about 1 m). In other words, the above trifocal ophthalmic lens advantageously provides a degree of accommodation (typically referred to as pseudoaccommodation) for three distance ranges. By way of further illustration, as shown schematically in FIG. 4A, when the trifocal IOL is implanted in a patient's eye, the combined power of the eye's cornea and the near, intermediate, and far power of the IOL allow focusing light emanating from objects A, B, and C, located, respectively, within a near, an intermediate and a far distance range of the patient onto the retina.

In some embodiments, a trifocal ophthalmic lens of the invention includes two bifocal patterns—providing different add powers—that are disposed on a surface thereof such that they collectively provide three focal regions corresponding to far, intermediate and near vision. By way of example, FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a plurality of diffractive zones 11, formed of two different bifocal patterns, disposed on a portion of an anterior surface 13 of a trifocal lens 15 according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to the previous embodiment, the anterior surface is characterized by a base profile (not shown) that provides a far focus power corresponding to the 0^(th) diffraction order of each pattern. More specifically, the inner diffractive zones 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c form a bifocal pattern providing one selected add power, e.g., an add power in a range of about 3 to about 9 Diopters, while the diffractive zones 11 d, 11 e, 11 f, and 11 g form another bifocal pattern that provides a different add power, e.g., an add power in a range of about 1.5 to about 4.5 Diopters (the diffraction zones are shown only for illustration purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale). Although in this embodiment, the inner bifocal pattern exhibits a higher add power than the outer bifocal pattern, in other embodiments, the outer pattern provides a greater add power. Further, although only a few diffraction zones are illustrated, in many embodiments, the number of diffraction zones in each pattern can range from about 3 to about 30, or any other suitable number. The step heights-at zone boundaries can be uniform or non-uniform and can be selected, e.g., in a manner discussed above. The add power of each zone can be set by selecting the locations of its zone boundaries (i.e., the radial distance of each diffractive zone in the pattern) in accordance with the following relation: r _(i) ²=(2i+1)λƒ  Equation (4) wherein

-   -   i denotes the zone number (i=0 denotes the central zone),     -   λ denotes the design wavelength, and     -   ƒ denotes an add power.

In this exemplary embodiment, the outer bifocal pattern exhibits a greater add power than the inner bifocal pattern. For example, the outer and the inner bifocal patterns can provide, respectively an add power of about 4D and about 2D corresponding to their +1 diffraction orders. The 0^(th) diffraction orders of the two patterns are, however substantially coincident and direct the incident light to a far focal region characterized by a selected power (based on the curvature of the surface of the optic and its index of refraction) in a range of about 6 to about 34 Diopters. As shown schematically in FIGURE SC, the outer pattern provides a far focus A1 and an near focus A2 while the inner pattern provides a far focus B1 (substantially coincident with A1) and a near focus B2. Hence, the two patterns provide collectively a far, an intermediate and a near focus, in which the near focus of the inner and outer patterns provide, respectively, near and intermediate vision.

FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically depict a trifocal ophthalmic lens 30, e.g., an IOL, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention that includes an optic 32 having an anterior surface 34 and a posterior surface 36. The reference profile of the anterior surface 34 is characterized by a base curve 38 adapted to provide a far focus power. The anterior surface 34 further includes a plurality of annular diffractive zones 40, formed by a plurality of microscopic diffractive structures 42, that are symmetrically disposed about an optical axis 44 of the optic. Similar to the previous embodiments, the optic can be formed of a biocompatible material, and the lens can further include haptics (not shown) that facilitate its fixation in the eye. Moreover, although the surface 14 and 16 in this embodiment are generally concave, in other embodiments, the surface curvatures can be selected to provide a plano-convex or plane-concave lens.

Each annular diffractive zone is separated from an adjacent zone by a step (e.g., step 50 separating the second zone from the third zone). The steps are positioned at the radial boundaries of the zones. In this embodiment, the step heights are substantially uniform, although in other embodiments they can be apodized, e.g., in a manner discussed above.

Unlike conventional diffractive lenses in which the diffractive zones have substantially uniform areas, in this embodiment, the areas of the diffractive zones vary—in a controlled manner—as a function of distance from the optical axis 44. This variation is designed to sufficiently broaden optical energy profiles at a near and a far focus, generated by two diffraction orders of the diffractive zones, so as to provide an intermediate vision while substantially preserving the near and far foci. For example, referring to FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, the areas of the annular diffractive zones 40 progressively increase as a function of increasing distance from the optical axis. For example, the maximum difference between areas of two diffractive zones (e.g., the difference in the areas of the outer and inner most zones can be about 75% or more, for example, up to about 200%).

The variation of diffractive zone areas can be implemented by selecting a square radius of each zone as a function of that zone's number, where the zones are consecutively numbered radially outwardly from the optical axis, e.g., in a manner described below. By way of example, FIG. 6 provides graphs contrasting a relationship (Graph A) between the square radii of the zones (r_(i) ² denotes the square radius of the i^(th) zone) and the zone numbers—typically employed in conventional diffractive lenses—with a different relationship (Graph B) utilized in this embodiment of a trifocal ophthalmic lens of the invention. As noted in the graphs, in the trifocal lens, the square radii of the zones exhibit a selected degree of non-linear variation as a function of the zone numbers while the square radii of the zones of lens having uniform diffractive areas vary linearly as a function of the respective zone numbers. This modifies the interference pattern of light diffracted by the lens so as to divert more energy into an intermediate focal region.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the radial location of a zone boundary can be determined in accordance with the following relation: r _(i) ²=(2i+1)λƒ+g(i)   Equation (5) wherein

-   -   i denotes the zone number (i=0 denotes the central zone),     -   λ denotes the design wavelength,     -   ƒ denotes a focal length of the near focus, and     -   g(i) denotes a non-constant function.

In this embodiment, the function g(i) is defined in accordance with the following relation: g(i)=(ai ² +bi)ƒ,

wherein

-   -   i denotes the zone number,     -   a and b are two adjustable parameters, and     -   ƒ denotes the focal length of the near focus. By way of example,         a can be in a range of about 0.1 λ to about 0.3 λ, and b can be         in a range of about 1.5 λ to about 2.5 λ, where λ denotes the         design wavelength.

As noted above, the variation of the areas of the diffractive zones as a function of distance from the optical axis results in diversion of some of the diffracted light into an intermediate focal region for providing intermediate vision. For example, a fraction of the diffracted light in a range of about 10% to about 28% can be directed into the intermediate focal region.

By way of example, FIG. 7 presents two graphs (C and D) schematically illustrating the enhancement of visual acuity for intermediate vision provided by the above exemplary trifocal ophthalmic lens. More specifically, graph C (dashed lines) shows the distribution of optical energy between a near and a far focus of a conventional diffractive lens in which the annular diffractive zones have equal areas. In contrast, graph D schematically shows the distribution of optical energy in an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the invention in which at least two or more of the diffractive zones have unequal areas. A comparison of graph D with graph C shows that an embodiment of an ophthalmic lens of the invention having diffractive zones with unequal areas provides a considerable enhancement of the visual acuity for intermediate vision, while substantially preserving the visual performance at near and far vision. By way of example, in many embodiments, the diffractive efficiency at each of the near and far foci can be in a range of about 28% to about 38% , with the diffractive efficiency.at the intermediate focus lying in a range of about 10% to about 28%.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the optical power associated with the far focus can be, e.g., in a range of about 6 to about 34 Diopters with the near focus providing an add power in a range of about 3 to about 9 Diopters. Further, the intermediate focus can provide, e.g., an add power in a range of about 1.5 to about 4.5 Diopters relative to the far focus.

The functionality of the above trifocal lenses can be perhaps better understood by considering the diagram shown in FIG. 8, depicting the optical phase delay (OPD) associated with three diffraction orders (i.e., +1, 0, and −1) of a multifocal diffractive lens across two diffractive zones, as a function of the square of the radial distance from the optical axis. The phase delays associated with the +1 and −1 vary substantially linearly—while that associated with the 0^(th) order remains substantially constant—as the square of the radial distance changes from zero to a value corresponding to the boundary of the first diffractive zone with the second (designated herein by ZB12). At the zone boundary, the optical phase associated with each order exhibits a discontinuity. Although not shown, similar phase discontinuity occurs at the boundary of the second zone with the third (designated at ZB23), etc. If the zone boundaries are placed at square radial positions corresponding to 7 optical phase change across each diffractive zone, the optical energy diffracted into the 0^(th) order substantially vanishes. In other words, the lens provides effectively only two diffraction orders (near and far focus). However, in many embodiments of the invention, the square radial locations of one or more diffractive zone boundaries are selected such that the optical phase change across a diffractive zone is less than π (e.g., it is π/4). This leads to diversion of some of the diffracted optical energy into the 0^(th) order, thereby providing intermediate vision.

In some embodiments, the distance vision provided by the trifocal ophthalmic lens is enhanced by aberration correction for large apertures (e.g., aperture sizes larger than about 3 mm in diameter, though in some embodiments the aberration correction can also be utilized for smaller aperture sizes). Such aberration correction can, for example, counterbalance defocused light, if any, that may appear at the far focus as a result of an increase of light at the intermediate focal region. For example, the base profile (curve) of the anterior surface can be selected to have some degree of asphericity in order to reduce spherical aberration effects, which can be particularly pronounced for large apertures. Some example of such aspherical profiles suitable for use in the practice of the invention are disclosed in the aforementioned copending United States patent application entitled “Apodized aspheric diffractive lenses.”

By way of example, the aspherical profile of the anterior surface as a function of radial distance (R) from the lens's optical axis can be characterized by the following relation: ${z = {\frac{{cR}^{2}}{1 + \sqrt{1 - {\left( {1 + {cc}} \right)c^{2}R^{2}}}} + {adR}^{4} + {aeR}^{6} + {{higher}\quad{order}\quad{terms}}}},$ wherein,

-   -   z denotes a sag of the surface parallel to an axis (z), e.g.,         the optical axis, perpendicular to the surface,     -   c denotes a curvature at the vertex of the surface,     -   cc denotes a conic coefficient,     -   R denotes a radial position of the surface,     -   ad denotes a fourth order deformation coefficient, and     -   ae denotes a sixth order deformation coefficient.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. A multifocal ophthalmic lens, comprising an optic having a surface comprising at least two different diffractive patterns adapted and disposed relative to one another so as to collectively provide near, intermediate and far vision.
 2. The multifocal ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein one of said diffractive patterns comprises a trifocal pattern and the other diffractive pattern comprises a bifocal pattern.
 3. The multifocal ophthalmic lens of claim 2, wherein said bifocal pattern exhibits apodized steps heights.
 4. The multifocal ophthalmic lens of claim 2, wherein said trifocal pattern is disposed closer to an optical axis of said optic than said bifocal pattern.
 5. The multifocal ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein said diffractive patterns comprise two bifocal patterns having different add powers.
 6. A multifocal ophthalmic lens, comprising an optic having a surface comprising at least one bifocal diffractive pattern and one trifocal diffractive pattern, said bifocal pattern being adapted to provide near and far vision and said trifocal pattern being adapted to provide near, far and intermediate vision.
 7. The multifocal lens of claim 6, wherein said surface is characterized by a base reference curve adapted to provide a refractive focus corresponding to said far vision.
 8. The multifocal lens of claim 6, wherein said diffractive patterns are disposed within a portion of said surface surrounded by a peripheral portion of said surface that is substantially devoid of diffractive structures.
 9. The multifocal lens of claim 8, wherein each of said diffractive patterns comprises one or more annular diffractive structures symmetrically disposed about an optical axis of said optic.
 10. The multifocal lens of claim 9, wherein said annular diffractive structures comprising said trifocal diffractive pattern are disposed closer to said optical axis than said annular diffractive structures comprising said bifocal diffractive pattern.
 11. The multifocal lens of claim 10, wherein said annular diffractive zones comprising said trifocal diffractive pattern extend from said optical axis to a radius corresponding to an aperture size in a range of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm.
 12. The multifocal lens of claim 11, wherein said bifocal diffractive pattern annular surrounds said trifocal diffractive pattern.
 13. The multifocal lens of claim 12, wherein said bifocal annular diffractive structures exhibit a decreasing step height at their boundaries as a function of increasing distance from the optical axis.
 14. The multifocal lens of claim 13, wherein said decreasing step height is characterized by a selected apodization function.
 15. The multifocal lens of claim 14, wherein said apodization function is defined in accordance with the following relation: ${f_{apodize} = {1 - \left( \frac{r_{i}}{r_{out}} \right)^{3}}},$ wherein r_(i) denotes the radial distance of the i^(th) zone, r_(out) denotes the outer radius of the last bifocal diffractive zone.
 16. The multifocal lens of claim 6, wherein said trifocal diffractive pattern comprises one or more substantially square-shaped steps and said bifocal diffractive pattern comprises one or more substantially sawtooth-shaped steps.
 17. The multifocal lens of claim 6, wherein said trifocal diffractive pattern provides a near, a far and a intermediate foci, said trifocal near and far foci being substantially coincident, respectively, with a near and a far focus of said bifocal pattern.
 18. The multifocal lens of claim 17, wherein said near, intermediate and far foci correspond substantially, respectively to said near, intermediate and far vision.
 19. A trifocal ophthalmic lens, comprising an optic having at least one surface characterized by a base curve, at least two annular diffractive patterns disposed on said optic, one of said patterns providing primarily three foci and the other providing primarily two foci such that a combination of energy distribution associated with the foci of one pattern with that of the other pattern results in providing near, intermediate and far vision.
 20. The trifocal lens of claim 19, wherein said base curve provides a refractive power corresponding to said far vision.
 21. The trifocal lens of claim 19, wherein said diffractive patterns are surrounded by a peripheral portion of said optic that is devoid of diffractive structures.
 22. The trifocal lens of claim 21, wherein said diffractive pattern providing three foci is disposed closer to an optical axis of said optic than said diffractive pattern providing two foci.
 23. The trifocal lens of claim 21, wherein said diffractive pattern providing three foci comprises a plurality of annular diffractive zones extending from an optical axis of said optic to a first distance from that axis.
 24. The trifocal lens of claim 23, wherein said diffractive pattern providing two foci comprises a plurality of annular diffractive zones extending from said first distance to a second distance less than a radius of said optic.
 25. The trifocal lens of claim 19, wherein said base curve is aspherical so as to reduce spherical aberration.
 26. A multifocal ophthalmic lens, comprising an optic having a surface comprising two separate bifocal patterns, said patterns exhibiting different add powers so as to cooperatively provide near, intermediate and far vision.
 27. The multifocal lens of claim 26, wherein one of said patterns provides an add power in a range of about 3 to about 9 Diopters and the other pattern provides an add power in a range of about 1.5 to about 4.5 Diopters.
 28. The multifocal lens of claim 26, wherein one of said patterns is disposed closer to an optical axis of said optic than the other pattern.
 29. The multifocal lens of claim 28, wherein each of said patterns comprises a plurality of concentric diffraction zones disposed about said optical axis. 